There are four majorfactorsthat go into the formula for computing recoil: Bullet weight, Powder weight, muzzle velocity, and weight of the GUN! Case size and shape have no influence on recoil whatsoever, (except insofar as these factors might affect the muzzle velocity possible from a given weight of bullet & powder.)

IF rifles in all three were to fire the same weight of bullet at the same MV, and all three rifles weighed the same, the round using the heaviest powder charge would give the most "FREE RECOIL". However, this doesn't mean that that rifle would feel the worst to the shooter. Stock shape, etc., has quite an influence on how bad the recoil FEELS.

Any change in the makeup of the roundfired will also affect how much the rifle recoils. Lighter bullets give lower recoil, as will alower powder charge and a lower MV - and vice-versa.

Overall, I would say the .300 Weatherby will generally have the most recoil, (as it usually uses MORE powder to get a higher MV with the same bullets) the .300 Win. will be next, and the .300 WSM the least.

BUT, if you want to know for sure, weigh the gun, pull a bullet from a given round of ammo, and weigh bullet& the powder charge. Then fire a few of the rounds, and determine their MUZZLE VELOCITY! Then plug yournumbers into this formula - it will tell you the actual recoil of that gun and load!

http://www.biggameinfo.com/RecoilCalc.aspx